Ollella – Residences@Somme

(Update: Ollella now runs the space exclusively to themselves. The Pourover Bar had since moved out and now operates as part of The Foxhole Cafe.)

Opened in a quiet corner within the myriad of small roads in Jalan Besar is a hole-in-the-wall cafe named Ollella.

Given the small size of the unit, the cafe features a single communal table and two counter seats facing the window. Ollella is a collaboration by Choquette and The Pourover Bar, the former offering a range of Choux puffs while the latter offers a wide range of handbrewed filter coffee from various origins as well as tea to compliment the Choux puffs.

(Lemon Meringue Choux Puff)

While there was a Mini Choux Puff tasting platter that you can try all seven Choux puffs, I was alone and decided to go for the individual and larger Choux Puffs instead. Both the Apple Cinnamon and Lemon Meringue were done well; the Choux pastry was of the right moistness, not being too wet nor too dry. Lemon Meringue was a filled Choux puff with lemon curd filling and topped with Italian meringue. The Choux puff was well filled, and a single bite into the puff is all it needs for the lemon curd to eagerly burst out of the puff which reveals a pleasantly tart flavour. Italian meringue gives it a subtly sweet touch, adequately balancing out the entire flavour of the puff.

(Apple Cinnamon Choux Puff)

Apple Cinnamon Choux puff somehow surprisingly reminded me of an Apple Crumble Pie. Coming with caramalised apples slices with a light hint of cinnamon, the sugary bits and crunchy nuts helped to provide a texture similar to crumble, while the Vanilla Streusel replicated the flavours of Vanilla ice-cream well. A pretty thoughtful creation indeed.

(Matcha Azuki Choux Puff)

Being a fan of Matcha, the Matcha Azuki Choux puff was one that I found hard to resist ordering. This certainly would hit matcha fans well with the subtly aromatic cream and loads of Azuki red beans hiding within the crusty Choux puff.

(Ethopia Tchembe N2 Mixed Heirloom)

To compliment the Choux puffs, I had also ordered an Ethopia Tchembe N2 Mixed Heirloom handbrewed filter coffee, which was medium-bodied with chocolatey flavour and light notes of fruit. Each cup of coffee comes with a mini Chouqette, which is pretty identic to the one from the Apple Cinnamon.

The idea of a cafe simply selling Choux puffs and Eclairs is not unheard of, but in the current scene where many these days put their emphasis on mains, Ollella’s approach does seem to be a little daring. However, both Choquette and The Pourover Bar takes pride and are good in their craft, be it in Choux Puffs or in coffee. Despite located in a quieter area of Jalan Besar, it is pretty accessible given its proximity to Farrer Park MRT Station. This is one spot to hit, especially if you are a Choux Puff lover.
Ollella
Residences@Somme
3 Petain Road
#01-01
Singapore 208108